Fans throw chairs at each other (Photos)

January 13, 2015 4:43 PM

Darts fans jump on tables with some slamming their body on other spectators at the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Australia

The Darts Invitational Challenge erupted into chaos on 10th January, 2015 when the game between Netherlands’‎ Michael van Gerwen and Australia’s Simon Whitlock, took place in Melbourne, Australia at the Etihad Stadium, Dockland, crowd members began throwing plastic chairs and tables at themselves.

One eyewitness said he travelled to Melbourne from Sydney especially to attend the event and was shocked and disgusted at the rowdy behaviour.

"It was an absolute mess, drunken idiots that were getting bored and looking for a bit of excitement."

He said people were jumping on the tables until they broke in half and some were body slamming other crowd members. Other spectators were reportedly trying to build a pyramid out of the furniture.

Security guards tried and failed to defuse the situation, before dozens of police entered the stadium.

"It was like a proper riot mentality. The security guards couldn't get a handle on it, it was a real uphill battle for them."

The final of the tournament was temporarily delayed for safety reasons.

The witness said that when the tournament eventually concluded, the winner - world number one Michael van Gerwen - seemed unimpressed.

"The look on his face after he won, it was a look not of victory, but one of pure disgust," he said.

"I've never seen anything like it. It wasn't good for the sport, it wasn't good for the city's image. I thought it was terrible."

Etihad Stadium communications manager Bill Lane said about 40 fans were ejected from the venue and three people were treated by paramedics for minor injuries.